A spring in their step

Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan is pictured with members of the Uprising Rugby Club in Deuba yesterday. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

The Fiji sevens players have impressed national coach Ben Ryan during the opening training session at the Uprising Beach Resort grounds in Pacific Harbour yesterday.

Ryan said he was pleased with the fitness of all players, especially the new inclusions.

New players such as Marika Vunibaka, Eroni Sau, Manoa Tamaya, Vatemo Ravouvou and Viliame Mata were part of the session.

Making a return in the team were Levani Botia, Apisai Domolailai, Henry Seniloli, Jasa Veremalua and Meli Kurisaru.

"I'm happy with them today (yesterday)," Ryan said.

"Their fitness is OK, they dropped a few balls in the start which is fine as they get to know each other.

"The fitness is OK, it's pretty humid and hot."

The former England coach said he would build on the players' fitness during the next few days.

He added he did not expect players to be super fit at yesterday's training session.

"I don't expect them to be super fit, that takes a month to get there but they looked good and they will be in good shape by the end of the week."

The national side will go through two sessions for the remaining days at camp.

"Today (yesterday) we will focus on recovery, two sessions tomorrow (today) and then for the next three days double sessions, double sessions, and double sessions," he said after the side's training yesterday afternoon.

"This week it will be high intensity training, hard work to get fitness in their legs and work combinations."